Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that creates energizing effects that can last for more than 8 hours, which means many of the signs of meth abuse involve sleep deprivation and mood and personality changes. As dramatized on the TV show Breaking Bad, meth is a commonly produced and trafficked addictive drug.
Substance abuse disorders and addiction are relatively common in the United States. Legal substances, like alcohol and prescription medications, and illicit drugs, can lead to physical and psychological dependency. Since addiction doesn’t discriminate, anyone can develop a substance abuse disorder, so even recreational use is dangerous.
What is Meth?
Meth is an illicit narcotic, meaning that its production is illegal in the United States, and the drug offers no medical or therapeutic benefits. Because meth is illegal, black market manufacturers are responsible for producing it, making it a hazardous unregulated substance. Meth increases your heart rate and breathing and can come in a solid crystal or powdered form.
Most meth users inhale or smoke it, but some users also inject it to intensify its effects. Meth creates a very powerful and stimulating high, with many users staying up for days when using. Meth use is often associated with sleep deprivation, which can lead to psychotic episodes. Since meth increases your heart rate, it can lead to cardiovascular problems. Smoking meth can also lead to damage to your lungs while inhaling it can damage your sinus tracts.
Meth is inexpensive, which makes it a cost-effective drug of abuse. When your tolerance to meth builds, it can cause you to continuously increase your use so you can continue to experience the pleasurable effects of intoxication. Once intoxication ends, you can deal with cravings as well as major mood changes. The come-down effect can lead to depression, anxiety, and exhaustion, leading many meth users to sleep for prolonged periods of time following a meth binge.
Signs of Meth Abuse
Meth is both physically and psychologically addicting, meaning your brain and body can become dependent on meth to function normally. Signs of meth abuse can start within weeks of your first use, meaning that recreational use can quickly accelerate into full-blown meth addiction. Like any drug abuse, meth drastically changes an individual’s brain chemistry creating a dependency. However, unlike many other drugs, meth addiction creates noticeable physical symptoms. Learning to recognize these signs and symptoms gives individuals a jumpstart on getting treatment.
Many signs of meth abuse involve physical changes to your appearance and personality changes. Some of the most common signs of meth abuse include:
- Talking rapidly
- Dilated pupils
- Weight loss
- Scabs
- Paranoia and delusions
Scabs and scars are common signs of meth abuse because meth can cause hallucinations, and many users pick and scratch their skin when they’re high.
Get Treatment for Signs of Meth Abuse Today
If you’re struggling with a meth addiction or a loved one is showing signs of meth abuse, finding help starts with a phone call. It’s never too late, or too early, to find help. Contact us online or call us today at 855.786.1978 to explore your treatment options and begin your recovery journey. Our team of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists can help individuals learn to identify and overcome their addiction triggers while learning the skills to make a lasting recovery. We offer individuals a comprehensive continuum of care, such as:
- Drug and Alcohol Detox Center
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Outpatient Drug Rehab Center
- Addiction Aftercare Programs
- Recovery Coaching Program
- Relapse Prevention
- Structured Sober Living Program
All of these treatment programs give individuals the support they need at every stage of recovery.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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